An Introduction to Sikhism Eduqas AS Knowledge Organiser: Theme 4B Religious practices that shape religious identity – Diwali
Key concepts Key quotes
• For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from ‘Lamps are lighted in the night of Diwali festival; prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Stars of different variety appear in the sky; In the gardens the flowers are there which are selectively plucked; • The festival of Diwali commemorates an important event in Sikh history The pilgrims going to pilgrimage centres are also seen. when Sikh heroism and willingness to risk life to save others including those The imaginary habitats have been seen coming into being and vanishing. from a different faith were evident. Self-sacrifice is an important Sikh virtue. All these are momentary, but the gurmukhs with the help of the Word The emperor Jahangir had imprisoned Hargobind. The emperor was asked nourish the gift of the pleasure fruit.’ (Bhai Gurdas’s Var 19 Pauree 6.) to release him which he agreed to do but Hargobind insisted that 52 Hindu princes were also released. Emperor agreed but said only those who could hold ‘(When) the lamp is lit, darkness is dispelled… onto his coat tails. Hargobind had a cloak made with string so each prince able … Where there is light of knowledge, ignorance is dispelled.’ to hold on to his coat tails and he enabled them all to escape. (Guru Granth Sahib Ang.791) ‘“Diwali”, as the Bandi Chhor Divas has great significance for the Sikh theo- • Diwali for Sikhs is a celebration of freedom. Freedom from oppression, in political (miri-piri) goals. It reminds the Sikhs of their duty to support the particular. It is sometimes called Bandhi Chhor Diwas - A Celebration of human struggle for freedom from poverty and oppression.’ Freedom! (Gurmukh Singh OBE) • The celebration reminds Sikhs of the struggle between good and evil and how good always overcomes evil, light overcoming darkness. Importance of valour and compassion for others. Expression of Sikh values of equality and readiness to be a martyr for faith and to fight persecution.
Key words Diwali freedom Jahangir Khalsa light
Martyr spiritual virtues good evil • It reminds Sikhs of their spiritual beliefs as expressed in the symbolism of the Bandi Chhor Diwas valour compassion persecution faith festival. It is an expression of the duality within Sikhism of the importance pf spiritual and temporal virtues. It also helps Sikhs to focus on bravery and Guru Hargobind courage in the face of persecution. It reminds Sikhs of their duty to protect their religion and beliefs.
• Importance of unity within the Sikh community is celebrated during Diwali. The unity of the Sikh Issues for analysis and evaluation community has been and is essential to its survival as expressed in the Khalsa. Key arguments/debates Some believe that celebrating historical events has no meaning today. • Diwali expresses that wealth and prosperity, the victory Others would argue that the past shapes the present. of good over evil, the dispelling of darkness through light, all come through the one and only one path ... Some would argue that it depends on what is taken from the past. the path of worship of One God, in hard and honest work, and through the service of humanity. Key questions Are festivals important in Sikhism? Do festivals show commitment to a religion? Is celebrating festivals the best way to show Sikh identity?